Network congestion prevention and/or mitigation

ABSTRACT

Cell site congestion may result in dropped calls, time-outs on data sessions, web access problems, or the like. A network congestion status may be used to minimize network congestion. In an example embodiment, messages which are distributed via a network may be formatted based on the network&#39;s congestions status and a device&#39;s connection mechanism. Further, a network access may be based on the network&#39;s congestion status and on a device&#39;s connection mechanism.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/708,498 filed Dec. 7, 2012, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to network communications, andmore specifically relates to managing network congestion associated withnetwork communications.

BACKGROUND

When a wireless device is connected to a network, the device may besubject to constraints of the network. A packet-based mobile cellularnetwork environment may be subject to physical limitations. Suchphysical limitations may be based on, for example, the availablespectrum and the associated technology that is used on a cell site. Cellsite congestion may occur when desired usage exceeds the physicallimitations of the cell site. Cell site congestion may result in droppedcalls, time-outs on data sessions, web access problems, or the like.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary that describes some aspectsor embodiments of the subject disclosure. This summary is not anextensive overview of the disclosure. Indeed, additional or alternativeembodiments of the subject disclosure may be available beyond thosedescribed in the summary.

A network congestion status may be used to minimize network congestion.In an example embodiment, a message may be received via a network. Inresponse to the message, a congestion status of the network may bedetermined. If the network is not congested, full access may be grantedto a device. If the network is congested, limited access may be grantedto the device. Whether the network is congested may be determined bycomparing the congestion status to a predetermined threshold. In anotherexample embodiment, the format of a message that is distributed to adevice may depend on the congestion status of the network and on theconnection mechanism of the device. For example, if the connectionmechanism comprises an indirect network connection, such as a W-Fi orfemtocell connection, the device may receive a message according to afirst format. If the connection mechanism comprises a direct networkconnection, such as 3G or 4G connection, the device may receive amessage according to a second format that uses less resources of thenetwork than the first format.

The format of distributed messages in a network and/or network accessmay depend on the congestion status of the network. Further, asdescribed herein, the format of distributed messages in a network and/ora network access may depend on the manner in which a device is connectedto the network, which may be referred to as the device's connectionmechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made here to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system and process for providing emergencymessages.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example process for distributing anemergency alert message.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process for managing a networkaccess.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example process for formatting a messagebased at least on a connection mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example wireless communications devicethat is configurable to a format message based on a connectionmechanism.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example relay service server.

FIG. 7 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichnetwork management mechanisms may be implemented.

FIG. 8 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network in whichnetwork management mechanisms may be implemented.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which network managementmechanisms may be implemented.

FIG. 10 illustrates a PLMN block diagram view of an exemplaryarchitecture in which network management mechanisms may be incorporated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the instant disclosure are described more fully herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments areshown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide anunderstanding of the various embodiments. However, the instantdisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system and process for providing emergencymessages to mitigate network congestion. As depicted in FIG. 1, a user(e.g., subscriber) 102, wants to make an emergency call to an emergencycall center, for example (e.g., to 9-1-1). The user 102 can initiate acall via a communications device 104, to a relay service center 108, viaa network 106. The call can be in the form of any appropriate call ormessage. In an example embodiment, the communications device 104 maydetermine a connection mechanism, and may format a message based on theconnection mechanism. In another example embodiment, a network entity,such as the relay center 108 for example, may determine the congestionstatus of a network and/or the connection mechanism of a device. Basedon the congestion status, the network entity may grant an access and/orformat a message for distribution. If the network is not congested, forexample, the network entity may format a message for distributionaccording to a first format. If the network is congested, for example,the network entity may format a message according to a second formatthat uses less bandwidth than the first format, thereby mitigatingnetwork congestion. In an alternative example scenario, a network entitymay determine that the network is congested, and that the connectionmechanism of the device is not subject to network constraints. Forexample, a connection mechanism of the device may comprise a connectionthat does not utilize certain resources of the wireless network (e.g.,3G, 4G, etc.). Such a connection mechanism may comprise a femtocellconnection, Wi-Fi connection, or the like. In such a scenario, thenetwork entity may format a message that is intended for the deviceaccording to the first format that may utilize more bandwidth than asecond format.

A message may be generated by a device 104. The message may be in theform of a text message, a message comprising video, an instantmessaging-like message, a Short Message Service (SMS) message, aMultimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, a web chat, or the like. Theuser 102 may start an application that has previously been installed onhis/her communications device 104. The application can provide the user102, via a user interface, or the like, on the communications device104, the option to initiate a non-voice based (e.g., text based)session. In an example configuration, the message may comprise aconnection mechanism indicator. The connection mechanism indicator mayindicate the mechanism in which the device 104 is connected to thenetwork 106. For example, the connection mechanism indicator may providean indication that the device 104 is connected to the network 106 viafemtocell, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or the like. The user 102 may compose anon-voice message utilizing SMS, IM, email, or the like, or acombination thereof. For example, the message may comprise a request toaccess a service provided by the network 106. The user 102, via thecommunications device 104, may assign the message a special short codeor telephone number that may be designated for non-voice to 911emergency messages.

At steps 115 and 116, the communications device 104 may send the messageto the relay center 108 via the network 106 (e.g., radio access network,Wi-Fi, or the like). The relay service center 108 may comprise a networkserver 130 and a database 132. The network server 130 may comprise anyserver, processor, computer, or the like, or any appropriate combinationthereof. In various example embodiments, the network server 130 may beconfigured to receive and/or send messages, analyze messages, provide anindication of a message to relay service personnel, assess and/ordetermine a network congestion status, determine a connection mechanism,or any appropriate combination thereof.

Upon receipt and analysis of the message at the relay service center108, it may be determined that an emergency condition exists. Examplesof emergency conditions may include life threatening health condition(e.g., heart attack) being experienced by the subscriber, lifethreatening health condition occurring to another individual near thelocation of the subscriber (e.g., spouse, child, neighbor, friend), firein the location of the subscriber, fire in the neighboring buildings ofthe subscriber's location, intruder in the subscriber's home, break-inobserved at neighbor's home, automobile accident experienced by thesubscriber, and automobile accident observed by the subscriber. Thedetermination may be accomplished via the network server 130, a relayservice center person, or any appropriate combination thereof. Themessage may be analyzed in any appropriate manner to determine if anemergency condition exists. For example this may be determined fromcontent in the body of the message, a header of the message, anidentifier embedded in the message, a designated field of the message,video contained in the message, a graphic contained in the message, orthe like, or any appropriate combination thereof.

The network server 130 may determine the connection mechanism thatcorresponds to the communications device 104. The network server 130 maydetermine that the device 104 is directly connected to the network 106,for example, via a 3G or 4G connection. Alternatively, the networkserver 130 may determine that the device 104 is indirectly connected tothe network 106, for example, via a Wi-Fi or femtocell connection. In anexample configuration, the network server 130 may determine a congestionstatus of the network 106. The congestion status may correspond to theamount of voice and/or data sessions that are active on the network 106,the available bandwidth on the network 106, the utilized bandwidth inthe network 106, the access technology associated with the network 106,or any appropriate combination thereof. The network server 130 may beconfigured, using a database lookup during the configuration of thenetwork server 130, for example, to compare the network congestionstatus to a predetermined threshold. For example, the network server 130may retrieve a predetermined congestion threshold associated with thenetwork from the database 132, at 134 and 136. The predeterminedthreshold may depend on various parameters such as, for example, time ofday, time of year, the access technology associated with the network106, physical limitations of the network, or the like, or anyappropriate combination thereof. The network server may compare thenetwork congestion status to the predetermined threshold to determinewhether the network is congested. For example, if the congestions statusexceeds the predetermined threshold, the network server 130 maydetermine that the network is congested, and the network server 130 maytake appropriate action to mitigate the congestion. For example, messagemay be formatted in accordance with a second format that uses lessbandwidth than a first format. If the congestion status does not exceedthe predetermined threshold, for example, the network server 130 mayproceed accordingly, such as by enabling high bandwidth communications.For example, the message may be formatted in accordance with the firstformat.

At steps 118 and 120, the message (e.g., an emergency call) may be sentto the emergency call center 112 via the public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN) 110 or the emergency services network. In an exampleembodiment, the message may comprise a 9-1-1 call provided via thewireless network 106 and the public switched telephone network 110. Theemergency call center 112 may comprise any appropriate emergency callcenter such as, for example, a PSAP, a fire department, a policestation, a public safety office, or the like. A call to the emergencycall center 112 can be initiated via any appropriate means forinitiating a call to an emergency call center (e.g., 9-1-1 call, call toanother number such as fire station, police department, etc., or thelike). In an example embodiment, the call to the emergency call center112 may be a 9-1-1 call that utilizes established mechanisms forlocation determination and PSAP routing. In the network 106, there maybe configuration information that associates every cell site with anappropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) including instructionson how to address and route calls to that specific PSAP. The network 106may also comprise configuration information that associates each cellsite with a current congestion status. When an emergency call isinitiated by the communications device 104, the wireless network 106 maybe instructed, via call set-up signaling, that this is an emergencycall. As part of the call set-up processing, the network 106 may knowthe connection mechanism of the device 104. For example, a wirelessnetwork may know which cell site is connected to the communicationsdevice 104 (commonly called the serving cell). Using the identity of theserving cell, the network 106 may use its internal configurationinformation to determine the PSAP associated with the serving cell andto determine a congestion threshold associated with the cell site. Usingthe call routing instructions of the associated PSAP, the emergencyvoice call is established between the communications device 104 and theemergency call center 112 (also known as a PSAP).

An emergency call taker 114 may receive emergency calls at an emergencycall center 112. In an example embodiment, an emergency call taker 114may use a processor 113 to generate emergency messages for distributionto devices, such as the communications device 104. For example, at steps115, 116, 118, and 120, a user 102 may use the device 104 to send anemergency message to the emergency call center 112 via the PSTN 110 andthe network 106. The emergency call taker 114 may use a processor 113 todetermine a congestion status of the network 106. Based on thecongestion status, the emergency call center may format a message inresponse to the emergency call. For example, in response to theemergency call, the emergency call center may determine that mobiledevices in a specific geographic region should be informed of emergencyinformation via an emergency alert message. The emergency alert messagemay be formatted based on a congestion status of the network. If thenetwork congestion does not exceed a predetermined threshold, theemergency call center 112 may format an emergency alert messageaccording to a first format. Such a first format may comprise a highbandwidth component. For example, the first format may comprise a URL,such that each user that receives the URL can activate the URL. By wayof another high bandwidth example, the distributed emergency alertmessage may comprise a video. During an emergency that requires anevacuation, for example, a video may detail escape routes for therecipients of the message. Alternatively, if the network is congested,the emergency call center 112 may distribute emergency alert messagesaccording to a second format that may use less data than the firstformat. During an emergency that requires an evacuation, for example, anemergency message in accordance with a second format may comprise a textmessage that describes evacuation routes. In an example embodiment, therelay center may receive an emergency alert message that is formatted inthe second format. The relay center 108 may determine the connectionmechanism of the device 104. For example, if the relay center 108determines that the device 104 is connected to the network via anindirect connection such as Wi-Fi or femtocell, the relay center 108 mayconvert the emergency message to the first format that uses morebandwidth than the second format. The emergency alert messages may bedistributed to communications devices, such as device 104 in steps 122,124, 126, and 128.

As a result of the foregoing described process, network congestion maybe mitigated or prevented. Additionally, there may be increased accessto wireless networks, and an emergency call taker 114 may be ableprovide emergency messages efficiently and appropriately. For example,when an emergency call taker is informed or determines that a network iscongested, the emergency alert message may be formatted so that it canbe successfully received by recipients without overloading the network.When an emergency call taker is informed or determines that a network iscongested, the emergency alert message may be formatted so as to provideusers with supplemental information, such as video or audio informationfor example. Further, when an emergency call taker is informed ordetermines that a device is connected to a network via a Wi-Ficonnection or femtocell, the emergency alert message may be formatted soas to provide users with supplemental information, such as video oraudio information for example.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example process for distributing anemergency alert message. An indication of an emergency is received at202. The indication may comprise a 9-1-1 call or the like. Theindication may be generated by any appropriate device, such as, forexample, a mobile communications device, or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the emergency indication may be in the form of a textmessage, a video message, an instant message (IM), a Short MessageService (SMS) message, a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, webchat, a real-time text (RTT), or the like. The user may compose anon-voice message utilizing SMS, IM, email, or the like, or acombination thereof. The user may assign the message a special shortcode or telephone number that may be designated for non-voice to 911emergency messages.

In response to the emergency indication, an emergency alert message maybe generated at 204. The emergency alert message may be generated anyappropriate device such as, for example, a processor at an emergencyalert message or a server at a relay center. For example, the emergencyalert message may comprise notice of an impending weather condition or asecurity condition. At 206, the network traffic may be assessed and acongestion status may be determined. In an example embodiment, the relaycenter may analyze the network to determine whether the network is in acongested condition. The determination may be accomplished in anyappropriate manner such as, for example, from analyzing the availablebandwidth of the network, analyzing the active communication session inthe network, analyzing the physical limitations of the network,comparing the congestions status to a predetermined congestionthreshold, or the like, or any appropriate combination thereof. If it isdetermined that the network is not congested (at step 210), the processmay proceed to step 218. At 218, the emergency alert message may beformatted according to a first format. The first format may providerecipients of the message with supplemental information, such as videoor URLs for example, that may not be provided if the network wascongested.

If it is determined that the network is congested (at step 210), theprocess may proceed to step 212. At step 212, a connection mechanism maybe determined. In an example embodiment, the relay center may analyzethe connection of an intended recipient to determine how the intendedrecipient is connected to the network. The determination may beaccomplished in any appropriate manner such as, for example, fromanalyzing a connection mechanism indicator that may be included in theemergency indication. After the connection mechanism is determined, aserver or processor may determine whether the connection mechanismsupports an emergency alert message that is formatted according to thefirst format, at 214. For example, if the connection mechanism isdetermined to be an indirect connection such as Wi-Fi or femtocell, theconnection mechanism may support the emergency alert message beingformatted according to the first format. If it is determined that theconnection mechanism supports the first format (at step 214), theprocess may proceed to step 218. At 218, the emergency alert message maybe formatted according to the first format. The first format may providerecipients of the message with supplemental information, such as videoor URLs for example, that may not be provided if the network iscongested and the intended recipient is directly connected to thenetwork.

If it is determined that the connection mechanism does not supports thefirst format (at step 214), the process may proceed to step 216. Forexample, if the connection mechanism is determined to be a directconnection such as 3G or 4G, the connection mechanism may not supportthe emergency alert message being formatted according to the firstformat. Thus, at 216, the emergency alert message may be formattedaccording to a second format. The second format may provide recipientsof the message with the emergency alert message in a manner thatminimizes bandwidth. For example, the second format may comprise a textmessage that mitigates network congestion. After the message isformatted at 216 or 218, the formatted emergency may be distributed at220. In an example embodiment, intended recipients that are indirectlyconnected to the network may receive the emergency alert message in thefirst format while intended recipients that are directly connected tothe network may receive the emergency alert message in the secondformat.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process for managing a networkaccess. At 302, a message comprising an access request may be receivedvia a network, for example, by a relay center. In an example embodiment,the access request may be initiated by a communications device inresponse to receiving an emergency alert message. For example, an accessrequest may comprise a request to access a service that is provided by anetwork, such as a request to view a video or activate a URL. Themessage comprising the access request may further comprise acommunication mechanism indicator, which may indicate the manner inwhich the communications device is connected to a network. At 304, thenetwork may be assessed and a network congestion status may bedetermined. In an example embodiment, the relay center may analyze thenetwork to determine the congestion status of the network. Thedetermination may be accomplished in any appropriate manner such as, forexample, from analyzing the available bandwidth of the network,analyzing the active communication sessions in the network, analyzingthe physical limitations of the network, or the like, or any appropriatecombination thereof. At 306, the congestion status may be compared tocongestion threshold to determine whether the congestion status exceedsthe threshold. The threshold may be based on various network parameterssuch as, without limitation, time of day, the access technology of thenetwork, available resources of the network, time of year, or anyappropriate combination thereof. If it is determined that the congestionstatus does not exceed a predetermined threshold (at step 306), theprocess may proceed to step 308. At 308, access request may be granted.For example, communications device may activate the URL or video that itrequested to access, via the network that was assessed.

If it is determined that the congestion status of the network exceedsthe predetermined threshold (at step 306), the process may proceed tostep 310. At step 310, a connection mechanism may be determined. In anexample embodiment, the relay center may analyze the connection of anintended recipient to determine how the intended recipient is connectedto the network. The determination may be accomplished in any appropriatemanner such as, for example, from analyzing a connection mechanismindicator that may be included in the access request or from analyzing auser profile that is associated with the communications device, or thelike. For example, the connection mechanism may be determined to be adirect connection such as 3G or 4G, or an indirect connection such asWi-Fi or femtocell. After the connection mechanism is determined, aserver or processor may determine whether the connection mechanismsupports the access request, at 312. For example, if the connectionmechanism is determined to be an indirect connection such as Wi-Fi orfemtocell, the connection mechanism may support an access request for ahigh bandwidth service. If it is determined that the connectionmechanism supports the access request (at step 312), the process mayproceed to step 308, where access to the service is granted and thecommunications device may access the service.

If it is determined that the connection mechanism does not support theaccess request (at step 312), the process may proceed to step 314. Forexample, it may be determined that a device is connected to the networkvia a 3G connection that is congested. At 314, a relay center server ornetwork access server may wait for a predetermined time. After thepredetermined time elapses, the process may return to step 304 where thenetwork congestion status of the network may be determined again. Forexample, after the predetermined time elapses, the network congestionstatus may decrease and may be less than the threshold, and thus theaccess may granted at 318. Alternatively, if it is determined that theconnection mechanism does not support the access request (at step 312),a response may be generated based on the congestion condition at 316.For example, a response may inform a user that the network is congestedand that the user may try to access the service at a later time. Such aresponse may comprise an error message, a busy message, a networkcongestion status message, or the like. By way of another example, butwithout limitation, such a response may grant the user limited access tothe requested service, thereby mitigating the network congestion.Granting a limited access may use less network resources than grantingthe access request. For example, if the user requests access to a video,the response may grant access to audio that is associated with thevideo, thereby providing the user with a limited access based on theaccess request.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example process for formatting a messagebased at least on a connection mechanism. At 402, a device, such as amobile combinations device for example, may generate a message. At 404,the device may determine its connection mechanism. The connectionmechanism of the device may refer to how the device is connected to anetwork. For example, the device may be connected to the network via afemtocell, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or the like. The connection mechanism may beassociated with a data rate. At 406, the device may determine whetherits connection mechanism supports messages that are formatted accordingto a first format. The connection mechanism may support messages thatcomprise a first format, for example, if the data rate of connectionmechanism is at least equal to the minimum data rate of the firstformat. If the connection mechanism supports messages that are formattedaccording to the first format, the device may format the messageaccording to the first format, at 408. If the connection mechanism doesnot support messages that are formatted according to the first format,the device may format the message according to an alternate forma, at412. Such an alternate format may require less network resources thanthe first format. At 410, the formatted messages may be sent, forexample, to a relay center.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example communications device 500 thatis configurable to initiate a call to an emergency call center andimitate a network access request. In an example embodiment, thecommunication device 500 may comprise the communications device 104described herein, for example, with respect to FIG. 1. In an exampleconfiguration, communications device 500 comprises a mobile wirelessdevice. The communications device 500, however, may comprise anyappropriate device, examples of which include a portable computingdevice, such as a laptop, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), aportable phone (e.g., a cell phone or the like, a smart phone, a videophone), a portable email device, a portable gaming device, a TV, a DVDplayer, portable media player, (e.g., a portable music player, such asan MP3 player, a Walkman, etc.), a portable navigation device (e.g., GPScompatible device, A-GPS compatible device, etc.), or a combinationthereof. The communications device 500 can include devices that are nottypically thought of as portable, such as, for example, a publiccomputing device, a navigation device installed in-vehicle, a set topbox, or the like. The mobile communications device 500 can includenon-conventional computing devices, such as, for example, a kitchenappliance, a motor vehicle control (e.g., steering wheel), etc., or thelike. As evident from the herein description a communications device, amobile device, or any portion thereof is not to be construed as softwareper se.

The communications device 500 may include any appropriate device,mechanism, software, and/or hardware for facilitating network congestionmitigation as described herein. In an example embodiment, the ability todetermine or provide a connection mechanism is a feature of thecommunications device 500 that can be turned on and off. Thus, in anexample embodiment, an owner of the communications device 500 may opt-inor opt-out of these capabilities.

In an example embodiment, the communications device 500 comprises aprocessor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory may compriseexecutable instructions that when executed by the processor cause theprocessor to effectuate operations associated with network congestionmitigation.

In an example configuration, the communications device 500 comprises aprocessing portion 502, a memory portion 504, an input/output portion506, a user interface (UI) portion 508, and sensor circuitry 510comprising at least one of a video camera portion 512, a force/wavesensor 514, a microphone 516, a moisture sensor 518, or a combinationthereof. Each portion of the communications device 500 comprisescircuitry for performing functions associated with each respectiveportion. Thus, each portion can comprise hardware, or a combination ofhardware and software. Accordingly, each portion of the communicationsdevice 500 is not to be construed as software per se. It is emphasizedthat the block diagram depiction of communications device 500 isexemplary and not intended to imply a specific implementation and/orconfiguration. For example, in an example configuration, thecommunications device 500 may comprise a cellular phone and theprocessing portion 502 and/or the memory portion 504 may be implemented,in part or in total, on a subscriber identity module (SIM) of the mobilecommunications device 500. In another example configuration, thecommunications device 500 may comprise a laptop computer. The laptopcomputer can include a SIM, and various portions of the processingportion 502 and/or the memory portion 504 can be implemented on the SIM,on the laptop other than the SIM, or any combination thereof.

The processing portion 502, memory portion 504, and input/output portion506 are coupled together to allow communications therebetween. Invarious embodiments, the input/output portion 506 comprises a receiverof the communications device 500, a transmitter of the communicationsdevice 500, or a combination thereof. The input/output portion 506 iscapable of receiving and/or providing information pertaining to networkcongestion mitigation as described herein. In various configurations,the input/output portion 506 may receive and/or provide information viaany appropriate means, such as, for example, optical means (e.g.,infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE,etc.), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone, ultrasonic receiver,ultrasonic transmitter), or a combination thereof.

The processing portion 502 may be capable of performing functionspertaining to network congestion mitigation and/or prevention asdescribed herein. In a basic configuration, the communications device500 may include at least one memory portion 504. The memory portion 504may comprise a storage medium having a tangible physical structure.Thus, the memory portion 504, as well as any computer-readable storagemedium described herein, is not to be construed as a transient signalper se. Further, the memory portion 504, as well as anycomputer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to beconstrued as a propagating signal per se. The memory portion 504 maystore any information utilized in conjunction with network congestionmitigation as described herein. Depending upon the exact configurationand type of processor, the memory portion 504 may be volatile (such assome types of RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or acombination thereof. The mobile communications device 500 may includeadditional storage (e.g., removable storage and/or non-removablestorage) including, but not limited to, tape, flash memory, smart cards,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, universal serial bus (USB) compatible memory, or anyother medium which can be used to store information and which can beaccessed by the mobile communications device 500.

The communications device 500 also may contain a user interface (UI)portion 508 allowing a user to communicate with the communicationsdevice 500. The UI portion 508 may be capable of rendering anyinformation utilized in conjunction with network congestion mitigationservices as described herein. The UI portion 508 may provide the abilityto control the communications device 500, via, for example, buttons,soft keys, voice actuated controls, a touch screen, movement of themobile communications device 500, visual cues (e.g., moving a hand infront of a camera on the mobile communications device 500), or the like.The UI portion 508 may provide visual information (e.g., via a display),audio information (e.g., via speaker), mechanically (e.g., via avibrating mechanism), or a combination thereof. In variousconfigurations, the UI portion 508 may comprise a display, a touchscreen, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a motion detector, a speaker, amicrophone, a camera, a tilt sensor, or any combination thereof. The UIportion 508 may comprise means for inputting biometric information, suchas, for example, fingerprint information, retinal information, voiceinformation, and/or facial characteristic information.

The UI portion 508 may include a display for displaying multimedia suchas, for example, application graphical user interfaces (GUIs), text,images, video, telephony functions such as Caller ID data, setupfunctions, menus, music, metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,Internet content, device status, preferences settings, map and locationdata, routes and other directions, points of interest (POI), and thelike.

In some embodiments, the UI portion may comprise a user interface (UI)application. The UI application may interface with a client or operatingsystem (OS) to, for example, facilitate user interaction with devicefunctionality and data. The UI application may aid a user in enteringmessage content, viewing received messages, answering/initiating calls,entering/deleting data, entering and setting user IDs and passwords,configuring settings, manipulating content and/or settings, interactingwith other applications, or the like, and may aid the user in inputtingselections associated with network congestion mitigation as describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example network entity 600 forfacilitating network congestion mitigation. The network entity 600 maycomprise hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thefunctionality needed to facilitate network congestion mitigation mayreside in any one or combination of network entities 600. The networkentity 600 depicted in FIG. 6 may represent any appropriate networkentity, or combination of apparatuses, such as a processor, a server, agateway, a node, any appropriate entity, or any appropriate combinationthereof. In an example embodiment, the network entity 600 may comprisethe network server 130, the emergency call center processor 113, or anyappropriate combination thereof. It is emphasized that the block diagramdepicted in FIG. 6 is exemplary and not intended to imply a specificimplementation or configuration. Thus, the network entity 600 may beimplemented in a single processor or multiple processors (e.g., singleserver or multiple servers, single gateway or multiple gateways, singlesystem or multiple systems, etc.). Multiple systems may be distributedor centrally located. Multiple systems may communicate wirelessly, viahard wire, or a combination thereof.

The network entity 600 may comprise hardware or a combination ofhardware and software. When used in conjunction with a network, thefunctionality needed to determine a network congestion status anddetermine whether the status exceeds a congestion threshold can residein any one or combination of network entities. The network entity 600depicted in FIG. 6 represents any appropriate network entity, orcombination of network entities, such as a processor, a server, agateway, a node, any appropriate entity depicted in FIG. 7, anyappropriate entity depicted in FIG. 8, any appropriate entity depictedin FIG. 9, any appropriate entity depicted in FIG. 10, the relay serverdepicted in FIG. 1, any appropriate entity, component, device, and/orcircuitry of the relay center depicted in FIG. 1, any appropriateentity, component, device, and/or circuitry of the network depicted inFIG. 1, any appropriate entity, component, device, and/or circuitry ofthe emergency services network depicted in FIG. 1, any appropriateentity, component, device, and/or circuitry of the PSAP depicted in FIG.1, or any appropriate combination thereof. In an example configuration,the network entity 600 comprises a component or various components of acellular broadcast system wireless network. It is emphasized that theblock diagram depicted in FIG. 6 is exemplary and not intended to implya specific implementation or configuration. Thus, the network entity 600can be implemented in a single processor or multiple processors (e.g.,single server or multiple servers, single gateway or multiple gateways,etc.). Multiple network entities can be distributed or centrallylocated. Multiple network entities can communicate wirelessly, via hardwire, or a combination thereof.

In an example embodiment, the network entity 600 comprises a processorand memory coupled to the processor. The memory may comprise executableinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations associated with network congestion mitigation. Asevident from the herein description, a system or any portion thereof isnot to be construed as software per se.

In an example embodiment, the network entity 600 comprises a processorand memory coupled to the processor. The memory may comprise executableinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations associated with network congestion mitigationservices.

In an example configuration, the network entity 600 comprises aprocessing portion 602, a memory portion 604, and an input/outputportion 606. The processing portion 602, memory portion 604, andinput/output portion 606 are coupled together (coupling not shown inFIG. 6) to allow communications therebetween. The input/output portion606 may be capable of receiving and/or providing information from/to acommunications device and/or other network entities configured to beutilized with network congestion mitigation services. For example, theinput/output portion 606 may include a wireless communications (e.g.,2.5G/3G/4G/GPS) card. The input/output portion 606 may be capable ofreceiving and/or sending video information, audio information, controlinformation, image information, data, or any combination thereof. In anexample embodiment, the input/output portion 606 may be capable ofreceiving and/or sending information to determine a congestion status ofa network and/or the connection mechanism of a communications device500. In an example configuration, the input\output portion 606 maycomprise and/or be coupled to a GPS receiver. In an exampleconfiguration, the network entity 600 may determine its own geographicallocation and/or the geographical location of a communications devicethrough any type of location determination system including, forexample, the Global Positioning System (GPS), assisted GPS (A-GPS), timedifference of arrival calculations, configured constant location (in thecase of non-moving devices), any combination thereof, or any otherappropriate means. In various configurations, the input/output portion606 may receive and/or provide information via any appropriate means,such as, for example, optical means (e.g., infrared), electromagneticmeans (e.g., RF, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, etc.), acoustic means (e.g.,speaker, microphone, ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), or acombination thereof. In an example configuration, the input/outputportion may comprise a WI-FI finder, a two way GPS chipset orequivalent, or the like, or a combination thereof.

The processing portion 602 may be capable of performing functionsassociated with network congestion mitigation as described herein. Thatis, a communications device (e.g., communications device 104) mayperform functions internally (by the device) and/or utilize the networkentity 600 to perform functions. For example, the processing portion 602may be capable of, in conjunction with any other portion of the networkentity 600, installing an application for network congestion mitigation,processing an application for network congestion mitigation, configuringthe network entity 600 to function as a gateway for other devices to anetwork, determining the threshold at which the network is congested, orthe like, or any combination thereof. The processing portion 602, inconjunction with any other portion of the network entity 600, enablesthe network entity 600 to format messages into various formats when itis configured to mitigate network congestion.

In a basic configuration, the network entity 600 may include at leastone memory portion 604. The memory portion 604 may comprise a storagemedium having a tangible physical structure. Thus, the memory portion604, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is not to be construed as a transient signal per se. The memory portion604, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is not to be construed as a propagating signal per se. The memoryportion 604 may store any information utilized in conjunction withnetwork congestion mitigation services as described herein. Dependingupon the exact configuration and type of processor, the memory portion604 may be volatile 608 (such as some types of RAM), non-volatile 610(such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof. The networkentity 600 may include additional storage (e.g., removable storage 612and/or non-removable storage 614) including, but not limited to, tape,flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, universal serial bus (USB)compatible memory, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by the network entity 600.

The network entity 600 also may contain communications connection(s) 620that allow the network entity 600 to communicate with other devices,systems, or the like. A communications connection(s) can comprisecommunication media. Communication media typically embody computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data ina modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired mediasuch as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. The termcomputer readable media as used herein includes both storage media andcommunication media. The network entity 600 also can include inputdevice(s) 616 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touchinput device, etc. Output device(s) 618 such as a display, speakers,printer, etc. also can be included.

Network congestion mitigation services may be implemented in conjunctionwith various wireless communications networks. Some of which aredescribed below.

FIG. 7 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, withinwhich enhanced location based services may be implemented. In theexample packet-based mobile cellular network environment shown in FIG.7, there are a plurality of Base Station Subsystems (“BSS”) 800 (onlyone is shown), each of which comprises a Base Station Controller (“BSC”)802 serving a plurality of Base Transceiver Stations (“BTS”) such asBTSs 804, 806, and 808. BTSs 804, 806, 808, etc. are the access pointswhere users of packet-based mobile devices become connected to thewireless network. In example fashion, the packet traffic originatingfrom user devices is transported via an over-the-air interface to a BTS808, and from the BTS 808 to the BSC 802. Base station subsystems, suchas BSS 800, are a part of internal frame relay network 810 that caninclude Service GPRS Support Nodes (“SGSN”) such as SGSN 812 and 814.Each SGSN is connected to an internal packet network 820 through which aSGSN 812, 814, etc. can route data packets to and from a plurality ofgateway GPRS support nodes (GGSN) 822, 824, 826, etc. As illustrated,SGSN 814 and GGSNs 822, 824, and 826 are part of internal packet network820. Gateway GPRS serving nodes 822, 824 and 826 mainly provide aninterface to external Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks such as PublicLand Mobile Network (“PLMN”) 850, corporate intranets 840, or Fixed-EndSystem (“FES”) or the public Internet 830. As illustrated, subscribercorporate network 840 may be connected to GGSN 824 via firewall 832; andPLMN 850 is connected to GGSN 824 via boarder gateway router 834. TheRemote Authentication Dial-In User Service (“RADIUS”) server 842 may beused for caller authentication when a user of a mobile cellular devicecalls corporate network 840.

Generally, there can be a several cell sizes in a GSM network, referredto as macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro-cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential, or smallbusiness environments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used tocover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coveragebetween those cells.

FIG. 8 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network withinwhich text message generation for emergency services can be implemented.The architecture depicted in FIG. 8 is segmented into four groups: users950, radio access network 960, core network 970, and interconnectnetwork 980. Users 950 comprise a plurality of end users. Note, device912 is referred to as a mobile subscriber in the description of networkshown in FIG. 8. In an example embodiment, the device depicted as mobilesubscriber 912 comprises a communications device (e.g., communicationsdevice 104). Radio access network 960 comprises a plurality of basestation subsystems such as BSSs 962, which include BTSs 964 and BSCs966. Core network 970 comprises a host of various network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, core network 970 may comprise Mobile SwitchingCenter (“MSC”) 971, Service Control Point (“SCP”) 972, gateway MSC 973,SGSN 976, Home Location Register (“HLR”) 974, Authentication Center(“AuC”) 975, Domain Name Server (“DNS”) 977, and GGSN 978. Interconnectnetwork 980 also comprises a host of various networks and other networkelements. As illustrated in FIG. 8, interconnect network 980 comprisesPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 982, Fixed-End System (“FES”)or Internet 984, firewall 988, and Corporate Network 989.

A mobile switching center can be connected to a large number of basestation controllers. At MSC 971, for instance, depending on the type oftraffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent toPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 982 through Gateway MSC(“GMSC”) 973, and/or data may be sent to SGSN 976, which then sends thedata traffic to GGSN 978 for further forwarding.

When MSC 971 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 966, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 972. The SCP 972 processes therequest and issues a response to MSC 971 so that it may continue callprocessing as appropriate.

The HLR 974 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 974 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), subscribedservices, and a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 974 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe mobile subscriber. Associated with HLR 974 is AuC 975. AuC 975 is adatabase that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers andincludes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user inputfor authentication.

In the following, depending on context, the term “mobile subscriber”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 8, whenmobile subscriber 912 initiates the attach process by turning on thenetwork capabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent bymobile subscriber 912 to SGSN 976. The SGSN 976 queries another SGSN, towhich mobile subscriber 912 was attached before, for the identity ofmobile subscriber 912. Upon receiving the identity of mobile subscriber912 from the other SGSN, SGSN 976 requests more information from mobilesubscriber 912. This information is used to authenticate mobilesubscriber 912 to SGSN 976 by HLR 974. Once verified, SGSN 976 sends alocation update to HLR 974 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 976. HLR 974 notifies the old SGSN, to whichmobile subscriber 912 was attached before, to cancel the locationprocess for mobile subscriber 912. HLR 974 then notifies SGSN 976 thatthe location update has been performed. At this time, SGSN 976 sends anAttach Accept message to mobile subscriber 912, which in turn sends anAttach Complete message to SGSN 976.

After attaching itself with the network, mobile subscriber 912 then goesthrough the authentication process. In the authentication process, SGSN976 sends the authentication information to HLR 974, which sendsinformation back to SGSN 976 based on the user profile that was part ofthe user's initial setup. The SGSN 976 then sends a request forauthentication and ciphering to mobile subscriber 912. The mobilesubscriber 912 uses an algorithm to send the user identification (ID)and password to SGSN 976. The SGSN 976 uses the same algorithm andcompares the result. If a match occurs, SGSN 976 authenticates mobilesubscriber 912.

Next, the mobile subscriber 912 establishes a user session with thedestination network, corporate network 989, by going through a PacketData Protocol (“PDP”) activation process. Briefly, in the process,mobile subscriber 912 requests access to the Access Point Name (“APN”),for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 976 receives the activation request frommobile subscriber 912. SGSN 976 then initiates a Domain Name Service(“DNS”) query to learn which GGSN node has access to the UPS.com APN.The DNS query is sent to the DNS server within the core network 970,such as DNS 977, which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSN nodesin the core network 970. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 978 canaccess the requested corporate network 989. The SGSN 976 then sends toGGSN 978 a Create Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) Context Request messagethat contains necessary information. The GGSN 978 sends a Create PDPContext Response message to SGSN 976, which then sends an Activate PDPContext Accept message to mobile subscriber 912.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by mobile subscriber 912can then go through radio access network 960, core network 970, andinterconnect network 980, in a particular fixed-end system or Internet984 and firewall 988, to reach corporate network 989.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which text message generation foremergency services may be implemented. As illustrated, the architectureof FIG. 9 includes a GSM core network 1001, a GPRS network 1030 and anIP multimedia network 1038. The GSM core network 1001 includes a MobileStation (MS) 1002, at least one Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 1004 anda Base Station Controller (BSC) 1006. The MS 1002 is physical equipmentor Mobile Equipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computerthat is used by mobile subscribers, with a Subscriber identity Module(SIM) or a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The SIM or UICCincludes an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is aunique identifier of a subscriber. The BTS 1004 is physical equipment,such as a radio tower, that enables a radio interface to communicatewith the MS. Each BTS may serve more than one MS. The BSC 1006 managesradio resources, including the BTS. The BSC may be connected to severalBTSs. The BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referredto as a base station (BSS) or radio access network (RAN) 1003.

The GSM core network 1001 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)1008, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 1010, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 1012, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 1014, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 1018, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 1016. The MSC 1008 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC1010 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 1020. Thus, the GMSC 1010 providesinterworking functionality with external networks.

The HLR 1012 is a database that contains administrative informationregarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. TheHLR 1012 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 1014 isa database that contains selected administrative information from theHLR 1012. The VLR contains information necessary for call control andprovision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in ageographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 1012 and the VLR 1014,together with the MSC 1008, provide the call routing and roamingcapabilities of GSM. The AuC 1016 provides the parameters needed forauthentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allowverification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 1018 storessecurity-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.

A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1009 allows one-to-one ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 1002. A PushProxy Gateway (PPG) 1011 is used to “push” (i.e., send without asynchronous request) content to the MS 1002. The PPG 1011 acts as aproxy between wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of datato the MS 1002. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 1013is provided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcastmessages. SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMSpeer entities such as short message service centers. The SMPP protocolis often used to allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such asnews organizations, to submit bulk messages.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 1002 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 1004 and the BSC 1006.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 1030 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 1032, a cell broadcast and a GatewayGPRS support node (GGSN) 1034. The SGSN 1032 is at the same hierarchicallevel as the MSC 1008 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls theconnection between the GPRS network and the MS 1002. The SGSN also keepstrack of individual MS's locations and security functions and accesscontrols.

A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 1017 communicates cell broadcast messagesthat are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. CellBroadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enablesmessages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who arelocated within a given part of its network coverage area at the time themessage is broadcast.

The GGSN 1034 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a publicpacket network (PDN) or other IP networks 1036. That is, the GGSNprovides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets upa logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched dataleaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network1036, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRSservices, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performingan attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS,the SGSN, and the GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one of three classes: class A, class B,and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRSservices and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supportssimultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example,class A mobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data callsat the same time.

A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSMservices simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.

A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSMservices at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRSservices and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 1030 can be designed to operate in three networkoperation modes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of aGPRS network is indicated by a parameter in system information messagestransmitted within a cell. The system information messages dictates a MSwhere to listen for paging messages and how to signal towards thenetwork. The network operation mode represents the capabilities of theGPRS network. In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuitswitched domain (voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS cansuspend the data call or take both simultaneously, depending on theability of the MS. In a NOM2 network, a MS may not receive pages from acircuit switched domain when engaged in a data call, since the MS isreceiving data and is not listening to a paging channel. In a NOM3network, a MS can monitor pages for a circuit switched network whilereceived data and vice versa.

The IP multimedia network 1038 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 1040 to provide richmultimedia services to end users. A representative set of the networkentities within the IMS 1040 are a call/session control function (CSCF),a media gateway control function (MGCF) 1046, a media gateway (MGW)1048, and a master subscriber database, called a home subscriber server(HSS) 1050. The HSS 1050 may be common to the GSM network 1001, the GPRSnetwork 1030 as well as the IP multimedia network 1038.

The IP multimedia system 1040 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)1043, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 1042, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 1044. TheP-CSCF 1042 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 1040. TheP-CSCF 1042 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 1042 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF 1043, forms an entrance to a home network and hides the innertopology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 1043 may contact asubscriber location function (SLF) 1045 to determine which HSS 1050 touse for the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 1050 are present.The S-CSCF 1044 performs the session control services for the MS 1002.This includes routing originating sessions to external networks androuting terminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 1044 alsodecides whether an application server (AS) 1052 is required to receiveinformation on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriateservice handling. This decision is based on information received fromthe HSS 1050 (or other sources, such as an application server 1052). TheAS 1052 also communicates to a location server 1056 (e.g., a GatewayMobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 1002.

The HSS 1050 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 1050, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 1050 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 1046 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 1040 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 1048 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 1048 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 1054.

Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) capable mobile phones register with thewireless network when the phones are in a predefined area (e.g., jobsite, etc.). When the mobile phones leave the area, they register withthe network in their new location as being outside the predefined area.This registration, however, does not indicate the actual physicallocation of the mobile phones outside the pre-defined area.

FIG. 10 illustrates a PLMN block diagram view of an example architecturein which text message generation for emergency services may beincorporated. Mobile Station (MS) 1401 is the physical equipment used bythe PLMN subscriber. In one illustrative embodiment, communicationsdevice 104 may serve as Mobile Station 1401. Mobile Station 1401 may beone of, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephonein combination with another electronic device or any other wirelessmobile communication device.

Mobile Station 1401 may communicate wirelessly with Base Station System(BSS) 1410. BSS 1410 contains a Base Station Controller (BSC) 1411 and aBase Transceiver Station (BTS) 1412. BSS 1410 may include a single BSC1411/BTS 1412 pair (Base Station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs which arepart of a larger network. BSS 1410 is responsible for communicating withMobile Station 1401 and may support one or more cells. BSS 1410 isresponsible for handling cellular traffic and signaling between MobileStation 1401 and Core Network 1440. Typically, BSS 1410 performsfunctions that include, but are not limited to, digital conversion ofspeech channels, allocation of channels to mobile devices, paging, andtransmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, Mobile Station 1401 may communicate wirelessly with RadioNetwork System (RNS) 1420. RNS 1420 contains a Radio Network Controller(RNC) 1421 and one or more Node(s) B 1422. RNS 1420 may support one ormore cells. RNS 1420 may also include one or more RNC 1421/Node B 1422pairs or alternatively a single RNC 1421 may manage multiple Nodes B1422. RNS 1420 is responsible for communicating with Mobile Station 1401in its geographically defined area. RNC 1421 is responsible forcontrolling the Node(s) B 1422 that are connected to it and is a controlelement in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1421 performs functions suchas, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling, handovercontrol, security functions, as well as controlling Mobile Station1401's access to the Core Network (CN) 1440.

The evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 1430 is aradio access network that provides wireless data communications forMobile Station 1401 and User Equipment 1402. E-UTRAN 1430 provideshigher data rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the Long TermEvolution (LTE) upgrade for mobile networks and later releases meet therequirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)Advanced and are commonly known as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1430 mayinclude of series of logical network components such as E-UTRAN Node B(eNB) 1431 and E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1432. E-UTRAN 1430 may contain oneor more eNBs. User Equipment 1402 may be any user device capable ofconnecting to E-UTRAN 1430 including, but not limited to, a personalcomputer, laptop, mobile device, wireless router, or other devicecapable of wireless connectivity to E-UTRAN 1430. The improvedperformance of the E-UTRAN 1430 relative to a typical UMTS networkallows for increased bandwidth, spectral efficiency, and functionalityincluding, but not limited to, voice, high-speed applications, largedata transfer and IPTV, while still allowing for full mobility.

An example embodiment of a mobile data and communication service thatmay be implemented in the PLMN architecture described in FIG. 10 is theEnhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). EDGE is an enhancement forGPRS networks that implements an improved signal modulation scheme knownas 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying). By increasing network utilization, EDGEmay achieve up to three times faster data rates as compared to a typicalGPRS network. EDGE may be implemented on any GSM network capable ofhosting a GPRS network, making it an ideal upgrade over GPRS since itmay provide increased functionality of existing network resources.Evolved EDGE networks are becoming standardized in later releases of theradio telecommunication standards, which provide for even greaterefficiency and peak data rates of up to 1 Mbit/s, while still allowingimplementation on existing GPRS-capable network infrastructure.

Typically Mobile Station 1401 may communicate with any or all of BSS1410, RNS 1420, or E-UTRAN 1430. In a illustrative system, each of BSS1410, RNS 1420, and E-UTRAN 1430 may provide Mobile Station 1401 withaccess to Core Network 1440. The Core Network 1440 may include of aseries of devices that route data and communications between end users.Core Network 1440 may provide network service functions to users in theCircuit Switched (CS) domain, the Packet Switched (PS) domain or both.The CS domain refers to connections in which dedicated network resourcesare allocated at the time of connection establishment and then releasedwhen the connection is terminated. The PS domain refers tocommunications and data transfers that make use of autonomous groupingsof bits called packets. Each packet may be routed, manipulated,processed or handled independently of all other packets in the PS domainand does not require dedicated network resources.

The Circuit Switched-Media Gateway Function (CS-MGW) 1441 is part ofCore Network 1440, and interacts with Visitor Location Register (VLR)and Mobile-Services Switching Center (MSC) Server 1460 and Gateway MSCServer 1461 in order to facilitate Core Network 1440 resource control inthe CS domain. Functions of CS-MGW 1441 include, but are not limited to,media conversion, bearer control, payload processing and other mobilenetwork processing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1440 mayreceive connections to Mobile Station 1401 through BSS 1410, RNS 1420 orboth.

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 1442 stores subscriber data regardingMobile Station 1401 in order to facilitate network functionality. SGSN1442 may store subscription information such as, but not limited to, theInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), temporary identities,or Packet Data Protocol (PDP) addresses. SGSN 1442 may also storelocation information such as, but not limited to, the Gateway GPRSSupport Node (GGSN) 1444 address for each GGSN where an active PDPexists. GGSN 1444 may implement a location register function to storesubscriber data it receives from SGSN 1442 such as subscription orlocation information.

Serving Gateway (S-GW) 1443 is an interface which provides connectivitybetween E-UTRAN 1430 and Core Network 1440. Functions of S-GW 1443include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding,transport level packet processing, event reporting to Policy andCharging Rules Function (PCRF) 1450, and mobility anchoring forinter-network mobility. PCRF 1450 uses information gathered from S-GW1443, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and chargingdecisions related to data flows, network resources and other networkadministration functions. Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) 1445 mayprovide user-to-services connectivity functionality including, but notlimited to, network-wide mobility anchoring, bearer session anchoringand control, and IP address allocation for PS domain connections.

Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 1463 is a database for user information,and stores subscription data regarding Mobile Station 1401 or UserEquipment 1402 for handling calls or data sessions. Networks may containone HSS 1463 or more if additional resources are required. Example datastored by HSS 1463 include, but is not limited to, user identification,numbering and addressing information, security information, or locationinformation. HSS 1463 may also provide call or session establishmentprocedures in both the PS and CS domains.

The VLR/MSC Server 1460 provides user location functionality. WhenMobile Station 1401 enters a new network location, it begins aregistration procedure. A MSC Server for that location transfers thelocation information to the VLR for the area. A VLR and MSC Server maybe located in the same computing environment, as is shown by VLR/MSCServer 1460, or alternatively may be located in separate computingenvironments. A VLR may contain, but is not limited to, user informationsuch as the IMSI, the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI), theLocal Mobile Station Identity (LMSI), the last known location of themobile station, or the SGSN where the mobile station was previouslyregistered. The MSC server may contain information such as, but notlimited to, procedures for Mobile Station 1401 registration orprocedures for handover of Mobile Station 1401 to a different section ofthe Core Network 1440. GMSC Server 1461 may serve as a connection toalternate GMSC Servers for other mobile stations in larger networks.

Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 1462 is a logical element which maystore the International Mobile Equipment Identities (IMEI) for MobileStation 1401. In a typical embodiment, user equipment may be classifiedas either “white listed” or “black listed” depending on its status inthe network. In one embodiment, if Mobile Station 1401 is stolen and putto use by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed”in EIR 1462, preventing its use on the network. Mobility ManagementEntity (MME) 1464 is a control node which may track Mobile Station 1401or User Equipment 1402 if the devices are idle. Additional functionalitymay include the ability of MME 1464 to contact an idle Mobile Station1401 or User Equipment 1402 if retransmission of a previous session isrequired.

While example embodiments of network congestion mitigation services havebeen described in connection with various computing devices/processors,the underlying concepts may be applied to any computing device,processor, or system capable of implementing enhanced location basedservices. The various techniques described herein can be implemented inconnection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with acombination of both. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of using andimplementing network congestion mitigation services may be implemented,or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form of programcode (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible storage media having atangible physical structure. Examples of tangible storage media includefloppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any other tangiblemachine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storage medium).Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal perse. A computer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal perse. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, suchas a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementingenhanced location based services. In the case of program code executionon programmable computers, the computing device will generally include aprocessor, a storage medium readable by the processor (includingvolatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least oneinput device, and at least one output device. The program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardwareimplementations.

The methods and apparatuses for using and implementing networkcongestion mitigation services also may be practiced via communicationsembodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over sometransmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, throughfiber optics, or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when theprogram code is received and loaded into and executed by a machine, suchas an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a clientcomputer, or the like, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementingenhanced location based services. When implemented on a general-purposeprocessor, the program code combines with the processor to provide aunique apparatus that operates to invoke the functionality of enhancedlocation based services.

While network congestion mitigation services have been described inconnection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is tobe understood that other similar embodiments can be used ormodifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments forimplementing enhanced location based services without deviatingtherefrom. For example, one skilled in the art will recognize thatnetwork congestion mitigation services as described in the presentapplication may apply to any environment, whether wired or wireless, andmay be applied to any number of such devices connected via acommunications network and interacting across the network. Therefore,network congestion mitigation services should not be limited to anysingle embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scopein accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method comprising: determining a congestion statusof a network; comparing the congestion status of the network to apredetermined threshold; determining a connection mechanism of a devicethat is an intended recipient of a formatted emergency alert message;formatting an emergency alert message based at least on the congestionstatus; determining whether the connection mechanism supports a messageformatted according to a first format that uses more network resourcesthan a message formatted according to a second format; if the congestionstatus of the network exceeds the predetermined threshold and theconnection mechanism does not support a message formatted according to afirst format, formatting the emergency alert message according to thesecond format that uses less data than the first format; anddistributing the formatted emergency alert message.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, the method further comprising: if the congestion status doesnot exceed the predetermined threshold, formatting the emergency alertmessage in accordance with the first format; and if the congestionstatus exceeds the predetermined threshold, formatting the emergencyalert message in accordance with the second format that uses lessresources of the network than the first format.
 3. The method of claim1, the method further comprising: if the connection mechanism supportsthe first format, formatting the emergency alert message in accordancewith the first format.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the connectionmechanism comprise at least one of a 3G connection or a 4G connection.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the formatted emergency alert messageis distributed by an emergency call center.
 6. The method of claim 1,the method further comprising: receiving an indication of an emergencyvia the network; and in response to the indication, generating theemergency alert message.
 7. A device comprising: a memory comprisingexecutable instructions; and a processor in communication with thememory, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to effectuate operations comprising: determining a congestionstatus of a network; comparing the congestion status of the network to apredetermined threshold; formatting an emergency alert message based atleast on the congestion status; determining a connection mechanism of adevice that is an intended recipient of the formatted emergency alertmessage; determining whether the connection mechanism supports a messageformatted according to a first format that uses more network resourcesthan a message formatted according to a second format; if the congestionstatus of the network exceeds the predetermined threshold and theconnection mechanism does not support a message formatted according to afirst format, formatting the emergency alert message according to thesecond format that uses less data than the first format; anddistributing the formatted emergency alert message.
 8. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to execute theinstructions to perform operations comprising: if the congestion statusdoes not exceed the predetermined threshold, formatting the emergencyalert message in accordance with the first format; and if the congestionstatus exceeds the predetermined threshold, formatting the emergencyalert message in accordance with the second format that uses lessresources of the network than the first format.
 9. The device of claim7, wherein the processor is further configured to execute theinstructions to perform operations comprising: if the connectionmechanism supports the first format, formatting the emergency alertmessage in accordance with the first format.
 10. The device of claim 7,wherein the connection mechanism comprise at least one of a 3Gconnection or a 4G connection.
 11. The device of claim 7, wherein theformatted emergency alert message is distributed by an emergency callcenter.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to execute the instructions to perform operations comprising:receiving an indication of an emergency via the network; and in responseto the indication, generating the emergency alert message.
 13. Acomputer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to effectuate operationscomprising: determining a congestion status of a network; comparing thecongestion status of the network to a predetermined threshold;determining a connection mechanism of a device that is an Intendedrecipient of the formatted emergency alert message; formatting anemergency alert message based at least on the congestion status;determining whether the connection mechanism supports a messageformatted according to a first format that uses more network resourcesthan a message formatted according to a second format; if the congestionstatus of the network exceeds the predetermined threshold and theconnection mechanism does not support a message formatted according to afirst format, formatting the emergency alert message according to thesecond format that uses less data than the first format; anddistributing the formatted emergency alert message.
 14. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 13, the operations furthercomprising: if the congestion status does not exceed the predeterminedthreshold, formatting the emergency alert message in accordance with thefirst format; and if the congestion status exceeds the predeterminedthreshold, formatting the emergency alert message in accordance with thesecond format that uses less resources of the network than the firstformat.
 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, theoperations further comprising: if the connection mechanism supports thefirst format, formatting the emergency alert message in accordance withthe first format.
 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13,wherein the connection mechanism comprise at least one of a 3Gconnection or a 4G connection.
 17. The computer-readable storage mediumof claim 13, wherein the formatted emergency alert message isdistributed by an emergency call center.
 18. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 13, the operations further comprising: receivingan indication of an emergency via a network; and in response to theindication, generating an emergency alert message.